|
Navigation:
|
Location:
Home
/ Glossary - Definitions
-
Abandonware:
Software that is no longer being offered for
distribution by its author. The Copyright to the program is retained by
the author.
-
Adware:
Software that displays advertising for other
products/services in the interface of the program or on the output of the
program (photos, documents, etc.).
-
Betaware:
A program being tested in its pre-final release
stages. Beta versions are intended for users willing to test the software
for the author after the program has already concluded its alphatesting, which
is conducted by the author.
-
CDWare:
Promotional CDs included with magazines, books or other
products.
-
Commercial Software:
Software that is typically sold through retail store
operations, or directly to the user from a representative of the author.
Commercial Software can also be obtained via the Internet, but usually not
downloaded.
-
Crippleware:
Version of Shareware that is feature disabled.
This is supposed to be an incentive for the end user to purchase the product if
they find they require all the features enabled.
-
Demoware:
Demonstration version of either a Shareware or
Commercial product. This type of program is intended merely to give you a
feel of the program. It is very similar to Crippleware.
-
Donationware:
Author asks for donations if you like using the
software. The donation is not mandatory.
-
Freeware:
Software that is licensed to the end user free of
charge. It is not feature disabled, time limited or restricted in any
way. Author still retains the copyright. This is not the same as
"Open Source" or "Public Domain".
-
Liteware:
A version of a full-featured program. This
version is built without many of the features in the full program. This
is similar to Crippleware, but features are not disabled in this version,
merely left out of the program completely. Continued use is allowed
without purchase.
-
Malware:
Software that is specifically made to damage your
operating system or files on your computer.
-
Nagware:
A version of Shareware that will in some manner ask you
to register the program if you continue to use it. Typically, this is in
the form of a popup dialog from the program which stops you from using the
program until you acknowledge the popup and dismiss it. To remove the
Nag, you must purchase the software.
-
Open Source:
Source code to the program is available for anyone to
use or change, but under one of many various license terms.
-
Orphanware:
Abandonware for which the company or the author cannot
be located.
-
Public Domain:
Author claims no copyright to the software or it's
source code and allows you to do with as you wish with the program and or it's
source code. Source code is usually included with a Public Domain
distribution.
-
Registerware:
Software which requires information from the end-user
before the program can be downloaded or used. The program is then free to
use and no purchase is required.
-
Requestware:
Software for which the author makes a specific request,
such as a postcard or a charity contribution, in return for the use of the
program. No purchase of the program is required.
-
Shareware:
Software that is specifically made to be downloaded
from the internet and purchased by the end user. Typically, Sharware is
either time limited or feature restricted until you purchase the software.
-
Spyware:
Software that compiles information either once, or on a
continual basis while you use the software into which it is built. This
information is sent via the internet without your knowledge or consent.
Typically, this information is used to track your web browsing habits.
Spyware can typically be found in Adware. The information gathered is
used to select the type of advertising that will be served to you in the Adware
program.
-
Trialware:
Version of Shareware that is time limited. You
are only allowed to use the program for either a period of time, or for a
selected amount of uses until the program no longer works at all. In
order to use the program after the trial is over, purchase is required.
-
Warez:
Shareware, Commercial Software or Abandonware that has
not been legally obtained by the end user. Use of Warez is illegal and
users found using Warez can be prosecuted.
[
Top of page
]
|